Toronto 4-piece Decades released a self-titled debut with production credits including Alex Bonefant (Crystal Castles, Metz), mixer Craig Silvey (Arcade Fire, Arctic Monkeys) and Clint Gibbs (Rihanna, Ke$ha). Despite this, the debut sounds nothing like any of those bands. Instead they are a mix of shoegaze pop that sounds both retro and new wave at the same time.

Vocalist Michael Kaminski’s vocals are melodramatic, dark and creepy. He drifts lightly above the noise below (“Any Wonder”, “Washed”) but at the same time proves that he can do some growling screams like that of “Tonight Again”. I sort of wished there was more of the latter as that opening tune was one of my personal favourites.

Guitars, pedals and effects reflect 80s Brit rock and punk genres. “In Sequins” sparkles with glocks like the glittery bead. At times, there’s a bit of a struggle to keep from turning pallid. If Decades wants us to keep listening beyond this debut, they’re going to have to give us something to grasp at; a change in vocal delivery, some hook, memorable guitar riff. Beyond the first track, it’s easy to be distracted.

About The Author

Tiana is the owner, editor and concert photographer of Ride the Tempo. She works new media in the music industry during the day and also serves on the FACTOR, Polaris Prize and Prism Prize jury. Visit her personal blog at tianafeng.com.
Twitter: @tianafeng